Kankakee, IL – Illinois sheriffs are once again calling on state leaders to overhaul the controversial SAFE-T Act, claiming the law’s bail reform measures have jeopardized public safety and tied judges’ hands.
In a statement released this week, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey, vice president of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, said the legislation has “blood on its hands,” arguing that repeated warnings from prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement were ignored by state officials, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
According to the release, sheriffs say the SAFE-T Act’s pretrial fairness provisions, which eliminated cash bail, have led to repeat offenders being released and re-arrested multiple times. “Jails have turned into revolving door facilities,” the statement read, citing cases where violent suspects were freed under the new guidelines.
Downey pointed to recent violent incidents — including the alleged assault of a 26-year-old woman — as examples of what he called the law’s “predictable tragedy.” He said lawmakers pushed the bill through “during a lame-duck session, with minimal debate,” and now appear to be considering “tweaks” to the policy only after public backlash.
The association is demanding a full repeal of the current bail reform model, calling instead for the restoration of judicial discretion and monetary bond for repeat or violent offenders.
“Leadership means listening — and Illinois’ leaders didn’t,” Downey said. “Illinois deserves a justice system grounded in reality, not ideology.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
